A book that talks about books. I think I wouldn’t describe it any other way.

Of course we all know Viv from Legends & Lattes, there isn't much else to say about her. If you liked the first book, you will like this prequel.

The book is charming, wholesome and it feels ‘cosy’. Exactly like Legends & Lattes. With Bookshops & Bonedust you will laugh, giggle and enjoy every page of it.

That being said, I was expecting some more ‘action’ since I read it was what happened to Viv before opening Legends & Lattes. Needless to say, I’m glad I was wrong as I think I did enjoy more this warm relaxed story than a full packed action one.

I gave this book 4 stars because it’s a book I’d recommend to anyone that has read Legends & Lattes, but I think it doesn’t live to the quality of that first book. Maybe because the first one strikes harder, and it’s more difficult to achieve that in the second one. I think there are too many factors that could impact that, and I’m not sure many of them are actually the book’s ‘fault’. Still, it’s a story I’d re-read, recommend and definitely will buy the physical copy of it.

Thank you for the eARC in exchange of honest feedback.

Thankyou to Netgalley for allowing me to read this arc. A fun, cosy book exploring Viv's past and I loved every minute of it

"Every book is a little mirror, and sometimes you look into it and see someone else looking back."

We are so back. I adored Legends and Lattes and while this prequel isn't quite as cosy, it is a spectacular expansion of the world Baldree created with his debut. Prequels are tricky to pull off, especially when there is a certain amount of threat to the main character, as there is in Bookshops and Bonedust. But instead of worrying about Viv's life, we get to see how she grows and develops into the Orc we meet in Legends and Lattes.

Much of what made L&L work is still present: excellent characteers, smart dialogue, and a huge heart. But the stakes are higher in this book - a necromancer threatens the town of Murk, and Viv has to protect her new, found family.

A younger Viv, thirsty for adventure, is badly wounded and left to recover in the sleepy town of Murk. She is bored out of her tree - but then she falls in with Fern, who is running her dad's bookshop into the ground. Viv and Fern strike up an unlikely friendship, and Viv learns about the joy of reading - thanks, in part, to Fern's skill at recommending the best reads, and also because of the wonders of smutty novels.

Viv also finds romance in Murk, in the form of the frankly adorable Maylee, local baker and former fighter. She feels like the Viv we meet in Legends and Lattes and it's easy to see the throughline between the cosy life Maylee builds for herself in Murk and what Viv goes on to do once she hangs up her sword. I loved this - she's not only a lover, but also an inspiration, for our main character, and shows her that there's more to life than fighting.

I would be remiss not to mention how fantastic the audio version of this novel is; Baldree made his name narrating fantasy audiobooks, and he puts such love and care into reading Bookshops and Bonedust - the characters of wildly and enjoyably different accents, and the warmth in his voice reflects the warmth at the heart of this lovely novel.

"Every book is a little mirror, and sometimes you look into it and see someone else looking back."

In this prequel to 'Legends and Lattes', our favourite orc, Viv, is still a fledgeling and young mercenary. After a severe error in judgment that lands her with a serious injury, her company leader dumps her in a sleepy coastal town called Murk to recuperate while they go off hunting a powerful necromancer.

Viv is not impressed by Murk. She wants fights and adventure, something Murk seriously lacks. But then, she wanders into a dilapidated bookstore and meets its proprietor, a ratkin named Fern. Fern has a knack for recommending the right book to the right person at the right time. Viv isn't much of a reader but begrudgingly buys a book. And doesn't want to stop reading. Viv's desire to leave Murk is also complicated by the lovely owner of the superb bakery down the road from the bookstore.

But while Viv is recovering and learning to appreciate Murk and its residents, a darkness is growing in the town. Viv sees a creature that just seems wrong and begins to worry that the necromancer isn't far behind. Can she protect the town and everyone she's grown to love?

I think I loved 'Bookshops & Bonedust' even more than 'Legends and Lattes', which was a solid four-star read for me. Maybe it's because this book has a little more action and mystery to it. I'm not sure. But I adored all the side characters, who ended up feeling like friends. A book about the meaning of life, love, and found family. If you're looking for cosy fantasy these two books are a must-read. I really hope we get more books set in this world featuring Viv.

This is the prequel to the acclaimed Legends & Lattes. I am glad that I read Bookshops & Bonedust as my introduction to Viv.

I feel like I got the full experience of her character development without any of the spoilers of where her story took her in the next book.

Viv is such a loveable character and all of the folks she meets along the way really stole my heart.

It was quite a sad ending to the story knowing that she moves on from these friendships to pastures new.

I am hoping for a third book that will draw together characters from her old life into the new.

This is an absolutely delightful story. I loved meeting the younger Viv and seeing a pivotal time in her life. I'm hoping we see more of Fern, Viv and their friends in the future as this series is far too good not to continue for a few more books at least. The story-telling in this is amazing, I felt as though I was part of the citizenship of Murk, buying books in Thistleburr, visiting Mylee's bakery and drinking in The Pitch.


There are so many facets to the story including friendship. impending peril, community and romantic love - and oh how my heart ached for Mylee and Viv's limited time with one another. The books if filled with great characters, including a magical skeleton and a cross between a chicken and a dog. They formed a community I wanted to be part of and loved spending time with. In fact, I am just about to dig out Legends & Lattes, the first book in the series, to do a re-read.

A bit slow but a fun read for anyone who enjoyed the first book. The characters and plot were charming but there were some spacing issues with the action crammed in at the end.

what an INCREDIBLE sequel eeee, i’ve been so so excited to read this since i’ve been recommending legends & lattes to absolutely everyone. Travis did not let us down, and it was so refreshing to meet some new and diverse characters too, i ADORE THEM ALL so much

I fell in love with Legends and Lattes and Bookshops and Bonedust confirmed by love for this series. It's cute, cosy but it's also a compelling and well plotted fantasy set in a fascinating world.
There's humour, action, changes, quirky characters. There's a lot of fun and smile.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

🕯️ Legends and Lattes is synonymous with cozy fantasy, to me it’s certainly not low stakes. Bookshops and Bonedust is very much the same. I loved this little journey back into Viv’s past, it’s certainly a different vibe and taste than L&L. There’s more a sense of adventure and longing, which is different for each character. Baldree did such an amazing job making Viv so young. Her younger character is just as well rounded as her older one in L&L.

Stuck in a desolate sea side town, Viv is forced to slow down and recognise the limitations of her body. As she explores the village, and dare I say it makes friends, she starts to discover a different side to herself, and to others around her. And despite the sleepiness of the town, adventure may find her anyways.

As with L&L, my favourite character is a Ratkin. Fern is a lovely look into the struggles and adventures that are so different to Viv. This book was such a fun read, and a great little look into the time before L&L.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Publication date: 9 November 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~~~~~
Set twenty years before the events of Legends & Lattes, Viv is packed off against her will to recuperate from a severe wound in the sleepy beach town of Murk – so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it.
~~~~~
Oh I enjoyed this one a lot! 🥰 Just like Legends & Lattes, it is cosy, comfortingly low stakes and full of found family goodness. The supporting characters are wonderful (Fern! Satchel! ❤️), there is mouth-watering baking, the love of a good book and it is altogether delightful, and an all-round lovely time.
However, the difference is that this story is a little bittersweet - as this is a prequel to Legends & Lattes, Viv is at a very different stage of her life, itching for adventures and fights and definitely not ready to hang up her sword and settle down. Yes, it is all very predictable but I can't be mad at this because in the context of a cosy read, it is reassuring and comforting and a lovely little bit of escapism.
~~~~~

I noticed that T. Kingfisher described this as ‘a warm hug of a book’. And she’s absolutely right. Viv is a thoroughly likeable character, who is recovering from a nasty leg injury. And as her mercenary outfit, Rackam’s Ravens, is hard on the trail of a notorious necromancer – they have to leave her behind at the nearest small town to be treated and recover. Unlike so many fantasy tales, there doesn’t appear to be a magical potion, or superb physician who can immediately heal her. So she’s stranded in a small outpost of civilisation, initially very bored and fed up.

I love how Viv gradually gets to befriend a couple of characters, notably Fern, who runs a decrepit bookshop and Maylee, the local baker. As her relationship with both these characters deepens, we get to see a non-reader gradually get hooked on books. This is a joy – Baldree has the gift of imbuing everyday events with an extra jolt of positivity and excitement that meant I didn’t want to put this one down. Would Viv move on in the end and rejoin Rackem’s Ravens? Or would she stay in Murk and settle into the community? As I hadn’t read Legends & Lattes, I didn’t know the outcome – and I was frankly rooting for her to decide to stay in Murk.

There is also an adventure as a villain turns up. And I was genuinely worried for the inhabitants of this small settlement as most of them are not fighters. And most of all, I was concerned that something bad would happen that would blow away the cosy, friendly feel of this charming story. But while there was still tension and danger, Baldree managed to keep both vibes going – which is harder to do than he makes it look. Highly recommended for fantasy fans, who’d like a bit of a break from all the grimmer stuff out there. While I obtained an arc of Bookshops & Bonedust from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.

So what we wanted from another Travis Baldree book featuring his interesting orc heroine, Viv, was really more of the same but with variations, right? And so we have our hot-headed Viv, at the start of her career, off on a hunt for a villain but making a mistake and getting wounded, and forced to rest and heal in a seaside town, Murk, which is also a frontier town in some peril. And we have magical, mythical creatures; human relationships; a rattkin; a cute pet; some peril; a bit of mild romance - all there.

Viv has to contend with both her reputation from when she's brought in and the rather scary woman who keeps the peace in this frontier town and doesn't want her practising her swordplay to regain her strength. But she meets two excellent people, Fern, who is running the bookshop of the title, and who gives Viv a chance to exercise her problem-solving skills, and Maylee, baker extraordinaire, and is she flirting with Viv? We also get to meet Gallina and find out how she fitted into the band that Viv was leaving at the start of Legends. Oh, and there's the other orc, Pitts, handing for delivering stuff but also handy with a haiku, again doing that subtle undermining of fantasy stereotypes that is a lovely feature of Baldree's work. I loved the details, again, this time of getting the bookshop sorted out and more profitable; once again we see exactly how it's done, and Viv's recovery is also believable.

Although this is a standalone, we do return to Viv's "Legends and Lattes" life in the Epilogue, so I think they're probably best still read in this order.

Coffee is a hug in a mug well this is a cwtch in a book! It’s so cosy, fun and heartwarming.

I own Legends & Lattes but am yet to read it, and as this is a prequel that can be read as a standalone, I knew I wouldn’t have a spoilers.
I’m now wondering why I haven’t read L&L because B&B is damn near perfect! I loved it.
Every single character you meet is fabulous and quirky, so much so I can’t pick a favourite. There’s even a little adventure and intrigue that had me gripped. It’s fabulous and beautifully written. Will be in my top 10 reads of 2023. Loved it! ♥️

Favourite things
*Names of the unique creatures eg. Tapenti 🥰
*Potroast ~ cute, funny & a little hero 🐶
*Relationships ~ they made my heart smile ♥️
*The banter ~ absolutely brilliant 😅
*Quote ““Because I’m headed down the hill, and you’re headed up it. I’m just glad we chanced to meet on the way.” Beautiful ♥️
*The epilogue ~ gorgeous and got me teary eyed. 🥹

Thank you so much, NetGalley & Pan MacMillan, for the arc of this amazing book.

*cwtch is a Welsh hug 🥰

Yes... ok, I now understand the hype guys! I think reading this before delving into Legend's and Latte's actually worked in my favour because, apart from knowing that Viv survives, I had no real idea on the ending at all, something that set the stakes a little higher, but also allowed me to go into the story fresh, with no preconceptions or assumptions... something that's rare with a prequel.

I think one of the things I loved about this book was it’s cozy fantasy at its heart, but with a hint of adventure & it shows brilliantly that adventure doesn’t just come from daring journey's & battles, but also from creeping out of your comfort zone, offering your help & maybe making a few new friends on the way. It also shows the power of literature. The way it can bring adventure into your life, friendships, meaning. It really is a book for book lovers, and I couldn't help but relate to both Viv and Fern. Viv in the way she felt when she read and almost felt at home in a book for the first time, and Fern in the pleasure she got from knowing Viv, as well as many others, enjoyed the stories she recommended.

The characters in this book absolutely own my heart. Viv is your stoic, but soft at heart warrior Orc, who tends to leave damage in her wake, but the damage she leaves this time ends up bringing her a lot more than she expected. Fern, the Rattkin, who has taken over Thistleburr Booksellers after her father passed. Maylee, the baker and dwarf who steals Viv's heart for a short time. Gallina, the gnome who initially irks Viv, but eventually worms her way into the group. And we obviously can't forget about Potroast the most loyal, if not bizarre guard dog and satchel, who I won't mention too much for spoilers. Baldree brings this bizarre bunch of characters together, as well as multiple other residents of Murk and creates a community, a family almost, somewhere that starts to feel like home and people that Viv will do anything to protect.

The scenes, especially those between the main four: Viv, Fern, Maylee & Camilla made for some heartwarming, but mainly hilarious scenes. The banter, the snark, the wit, it was all brilliantly executed and ensured each and every character would worm their way into your heart. I especially loved the intimacy that was shown through some of the scenes, not just in romance, although there was that too, but in the friendships, in the opening up to people and allowing yourself to be seen. The characters are absolutely the strength in this book, but fear not because the plot is just as entertaining and intriguing.

Ok, so the first 30-40% or so is set up, but as the story progresses so does the drama and sub-plot, I say this because the characters and their development were 100% the main plot and everything else was just a bonus. I loved learning more about the world, the magic, getting a little more adventure and some danger thrown in there as well. It may be low stakes but it definitely had me worried a few times, if not for Viv, then for my other faves, and I think Baldree gets the perfect blend of cozy fantasy and action, ensuring the story progresses at a pretty rapid pace, but we never quite loose that cozy feel.

If you like your fantasy's cozy, with low stakes & superb character development I can't recommend this book enough. I finally get the hype, and I can assure you that Legend's and Latte's will be getting a serious bump up my TBR. I would absolutely recommend reading this first if you're new to the series, a lot of reviews I've seen have enjoyed this, but not as much with almost being able to guess the outcome, but for me everything was fresh, and I think a certain part at the end hit so much harder having not read the first (second in the series) book yet. Travis Baldree, your characters own my heart & I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next.

Legends & Lattes is one of my favourite cosy reads. It’s high fantasy but the overall vibes are very chill with Viv, an orc mercenary of sorts, leaving her life of action behind to run a coffee shop. How cute is that?

Now, imagine a younger version of Viv, still in the midst of her adventurous lifestyle but taking a break due to injury, stumbling across a cutesy bookshop and helping the owner pick up business, and falling in love along the way - that would be Bookshops & Bonedust! While I’m not sure anything can match how much I adored Legends & Lattes this certainly came close. It was so lovely to see more of Viv’s life in this prequel and meet characters that undoubtedly shaped her into the orc we eventually meet in Legends & Lattes. Best part though? Satchel. That’s all I’ll say, the best way to meet Satchel is by ✨meeting him✨

*Thank you to Netgalley and Tordotcom for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Bookshops & Bonedust is the prequel of Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. I read the first installment a few months ago and I loved every single page. I wasn’t ready to leave Viv and her world and when I heard about this prequel I knew I had to get it.

In this book Viv is wounded and has to stay at Murk, a very cozy and calm beach town. Worried about her career as a mercenary, she finds herself killing time, healing and reading fantasy books recommended by Fern, a rattkind that will become her new best friend.

I never thought I would enjoy reading cozy fantasy, but this was the perfect reading for autumn. It has a mixture of adventure, romance and the love for books that really resonated with me (yes, I know, it’s possible to relate to a sapphic orc). It was a very satisfying reading and I would enjoy 100 more pages.

Murk and their citizens were delightful and I had a great time with them. I could see the places clearly in my mind and felt a part of the city most of the time. The worldbuilding even when it’s not heavy handed felt enough for the story itself. You don’t need more information about necromancers or dwarfs. I think this book is a great choice if you don’t read fantasy often as it’s easy to understand while it also has all the elements of the genre.

Adding the bookish elements is a true win. Fern is that kind book owner that gives the best recommendations. However, Gallina was one who definitely stole the show: the grumpy gnome finding her place in the world. How fun and sweet her story was.

Even when I enjoyed Legends and Lattes more, Bookshops and Bonedust is the perfect prequel and I’m sure everyone who is a fan will enjoy it. You get to know Viv better and the epilogue is truly a warm hug on a snowy day.

This book is full of heart and has a lot of charm. I’m sure I’ll revisit this story every now and then, when I feel sad and want to go back home.

<b>4/5
Rep: Sapphic representation</b>

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this advanced copy.

I love it but I love the first one more

This prequel to Legends & Lattes follows a young Viv, struggling with an injury and discovering first loves and the allure of bookstores!

The sleepy beach town setting was perfect for this cosy fantasy, with entertaining residents, such as the perpetually angry bookshop owner, and a number of skeletons. It's low stakes, especially since we know her fate in Legends & Lattes, and so you can sit back and fully relax for hours of pure escapism with this novel. It was nice to see the origin of Viv's love of books, which she mentions briefly in Legends & Lattes. Viv's relationship with Maylee is sweet, with a wholesome charm to it.

Thank you to Tor Books & Tor UK for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review 📚
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree - 4/5 ⭐

I was naughty, I requested this book before even reading Legends & Lattes. L&L had been on my TBR for way to long, but when I was accepted to read and review B&B I obviously picked up Legends and started reading instantly. Safe to say I was in love with how awesome in was. I'd also like to point out, this is a prequal to L&L.

Now, B&B. This was easily as good as the first book in the series. Which can often be difficult. The characters developments and world building was, once again, absolutely mind-blowing. There's so much detail throughout the whole thing. I was obsessed.

This book was so much more heartwarming and just a big cozy feelung. The feeling of finding where you belong and it becoming your home, it was so beautifully done. At points you wanted to just start weeping, but in such a "this is beautiful" way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.